Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed at an improved license plate recognition (LPR) device for identifying vehicular information. In some embodiments, the LPR device includes a DC power source for electrically powering the unit, one or more cameras, processors (or computers), circuitry, and programs for processing images/video captured by the one or more cameras to extract license plate information and/or perform other suitable image processing functions within the LPR device in situ, wired and wireless communications for linking multiple such camera units to each other and to a central data base. The cameras may include infrared and/or color sensors and LEDs, rolling or global shutters, and optical filters.

Abstract: An apparatus that is part of a lampshade comprises a first film, a second film and a border seal forming a closed chamber that is laminar in shape and hermetically sealed. A fluid is disposed for fluid motion in the closed chamber.

Abstract: An electrostatically actuated fluidic device capable of providing a variable focal length lens is disclosed. The device includes an elastic capacitor section, an elastic lens section in fluid communication with the capacitor section, the elastic lens section being characterized by a focal length and a fluid capable of fluid motion disposed at least partially in the capacitor and lens sections. A voltage may be applied to the capacitor section causing it to deform, which causes a portion of the fluid to flow into or out of the lens section. As a result, a change in volume of fluid in the lens section causes it to deform resulting in a variation in the focal length of the lens section.

Abstract: A fluidic optical device, systems utilizing fluidic optical devices, methods for manufacturing fluidic optical devices and actuators are disclosed.

Abstract: A digital focus lens systems that can provide an optical system with a plurality of selectable focal powers is described. The system includes a number of switchable elements, each of which is capable of being switched between a first state and a second state, whereby the states represent unique focal powers. The switchable elements may be arranged coaxially in a stack such that each of them may contribute to a cumulative focal power of the system. If, for example, the system includes two such switchable elements, four focal powers for the lens system may be selected by appropriate choice the states of each switchable element. Digital telescopes, cameras, microscopes, and other optical instruments may be implemented using such digital focus lens systems. Methods of fabricating switchable elements and methods of controlling digital lens systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating three or more optical signals. The apparatus generally comprises a coherent source, an optical parametric generation device and a sum frequency generator. The coherent source generates a first optical signal having a first free-space wavelength. The optical parametric generation device interacts the first optical signal to produce an idler signal and a second optical signal having a second free-space wavelength while transmitting a portion of the first optical signal to the sum frequency generator. The sum frequency generator non-linearly combines part of the second portion of the first optical signal with the idler signal to produce a third optical signal characterized by a third free-space wavelength. The first, second, and third optical signals may comprise collinear red green and blue beams that may be modulated and scanned to produce an image. Furthermore, the optical parametric generation device and the sum frequency generator may be fabricated as a single monolithic device.